Golden
retriever’s grooming is generally minimal and you should never have to take your
dog to a groomer. The dogs look best in their natural state. If, however, you
wish to enter your dog in some dog shows, you may need additional assistance from
a groomer to get your dog to look his or her best.
Nail Care
All
dogs need nail care. As a part of golden retriever grooming, the nails are particularly
important as these dogs like to jump on you or put their paws on your lap as a
sign of affection, and, luckily, nail care is easy. Simply hold the paw, push
back the fur, and clip the very tip of the nail off; if your dog has clear nails
and you can see the quick, be sure not to get too close, as cutting the quick
will make them bleed. If you can’t see the quick, it’s better to cut too little
than too much. Whatever you do, clip sparingly!
Brushing
The use
of both a natural bristle brush and an undercoat rake will be your main tools
to maintain your golden retriever’s coat. As part of your golden retrievers grooming,
you will need to brush daily with the natural bristle brush most of the year and
the rake during heavy shed seasons, like the spring or fall. Additionally, brushing
and grooming your golden retriever can provide quality time for you to spend together.
Bathing
Most
golden retrievers only require bathing once a week if their owner doesn’t like
that ‘doggy’ smell, less if their owner doesn’t mind. The only time it is necessary
to bathe your golden retriever is if it is dirty; has rolled in dung, mud, or
something else smelly. When you do groom your golden retriever by washing it,
be sure to use a shampoo that is designed for water loving dogs that helps to
restore the naturally formed oils in the fur, for maximum water repellant
Fleas
And Ticks
Never try to pull out a tick with your fingers as they could
bite you as well, and certain ticks are known to cause lime disease. Use a pair
of tweezers and pull it off, then swab the skin with peroxide to sanitize it best
you can; if there is one, then there are likely to be more, use a fine tooth metal
comb and give your golden retriever a once over.
If, as you are searching,
you come across black dust against the skin, this is a sign of fleas and should
be addressed immediately, many people believe a prescription once a month for
flea and tick treatments are the best way to eliminate the problem, others believe
a bath and thorough combing is all that is really necessary. Talk to your veterinarian
and decide what you feel is the best to care for your golden retriever.
Teeth
All
dogs need to have their teeth brushed regularly, as a part of your golden retriever’s
grooming, a regular people tooth brush with toothpaste intended for dogs is the
best choice. Simply get your dog accustomed to brushing at an early age and make
it part of their routine. When you notice tartar build up, you may use a dental
pick to gently scrape off the excess tartar; the best tool for cleaning a dogs
teeth is a raw bone with a little meat still attached, it works like a toothbrush
and dental floss.
Paws And Ears
Paws sometimes develop ‘slippers’
and as part of your golden retriever’s grooming, you will need to trim these up
about once a month. Ears can be a problem area; any black residue can indicate
ear mites, and some simple ear solution and cotton balls can clean it up quickly.
Also, the ears can require some trimming once in a while to maintain their cute
and friendly look. The tools you use to groom your golden retriever aren’t as
many as other dogs, but knowing what
you need to groom your golden retriever will certainly make the job easier.
Attention: To discover how
YOU can have the Happiest, Healthiest and Best Behaved Golden Retriever,
get a copy of this Golden Retriever Guide
NOW!
